Motorcycle driving mechanism, drive line, and braking mechanism



Feb. 23, 1937.

L. G. NICHOLSON FIG-l Filed July 27, 1934 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 oz rINVENTOR.

IMAL QW Feb. 23, 1937. L. G. NICHOLSON MOTORCYCLE DRIVING MECHANISM,DRIVE LINE, AND BRAKING MECHANISM 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 27, 1934IN VEN TOR. 4 w. Mum,

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Feb. 23, 1937. L. G. NICHOLSON 2,071,761

MOTORCYCLE DRIVING MECHANISM, DRIVE LINE, AND BRAKING MECHANISM FiledJuly 27, 1954 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. .C 6.

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L. G. NICHOLSON 2,071,761

AND BRAKING MECHANISM Feb. 23, 1937.

MOTORCYCLE DRIVING MECHANISM, DRIVE LINE,

Filed July 27, 1934 e sheets s'heet 4 INVENTOR.

mu m Q xv MN H E Q mwmwE NEE v x Feb. 23,1937. L. G. NICHOLSON 2,071,761

MOTORCYCLE DRIVING MECHANISM, DRIVE LINE, AND BRAKING MECHANISM FiledJu1 127, 1934 6 Sheets$heet 5 :5 o I l N 2 m l g. w a

:0 co v m 2 O O L INVENTOR.

OCMCL imn Feb. 23, 1937. 1.. G. NICHOLSON v MOTORCYCLE DRIVINGMECHANISM, DRIVE LINE, AND BRAKING MECHANISM Filed July 27, 1934 6Sheets-Sheet 6 mmq u Patented Feb. 23, 1937 PATENT OFFICE- MOTORCYCLEDRIVING MECHANISM,

DRIVE LINE,v AND BRAKING MECHA- NISM Leslie G. Nicholson, St. Helena,Calif.

Application July 27, 1934, Serial No. 737,234

6 Claims.

An object of my invention is to provide an improvement over my patent,No. 1,936,606, allowed Nov. 28, 1933. The improvement consists in pro-.

viding a worm and gear driving mechanism which will rotate a motor cycledriving wheel forward or rearward. This said improved driving mechanismwill operate a vehicle of the type shown in above mentioned patent, aswell? as the motorcycle explained .and shown in the accompanyingspecification and drawings.

My invention relates to improvements in a motorcycle which is providedwith a worm and gear driving mechanism, having a drive shaft extendingfrom the driving mechanism to a universal joint which is flexiblyattached to the rearward end of the takeoff shaft which extends throughthe outer end of the takeoff gear box. The motorcycle is provided withhorizontal frame members supported upon asingle. front and rear wheeltraveling in horizontal alignment. The motorcycle is provided withabraking mechanism, a driving wheel, and a worm and gear drivingmechanism which are resiliently journaled to the rear of frame.

The objects of my invention are:

First, to provide'a motorcycle. having horizontal frame members spacedan even width apart, having at the front of frame a vertical upwardbend, converging to steering head and. thereto attached.

. A radiator mounted between the frame membersin the vertical upwardbend, braking and worm and gear driving mechanism resiliently attachedto rear of frame.

Second, to provide an improved motorcycle having a worm and gear drivingmechanism whereby said worm and gear continuously operate inlubrication.

Third, to provide a motorcycle having an improvement, whereby thedriving wheel may be detachably mounted between the brake and worm andgear driving mechanism, supporting the'rear of frame resiliently.

Fourth, to provide a motorcycle having a worm and gear driving mechanismwhich is enclosed within a gear housing, having said gear housingsubstantially secured to the stationary plate at the inner end ofbearing housing. A drive shaft extending forward from the drivingmechanism to the universal joint, which is flexibly connected to thetakeoff gear shaft.

Fifth, to provide a drive shaft housing having one end secured to thegear housing and the other end flexibly attached to the takeoff gearbox.

Sixth, toprovide a motorcycle having a gear housing wherein the drivingworm: mechanism may be mounted in the lower portion.

Seventh, to provide a motorcycle having the driving worm constructedstationary on the rearward end of the drive shaft, bearing means 5mounted on the drive shaft adjacent to the driving worm.

Eighth, to provide a motorcycle having a yoke encircling each bearinghousing having a horizontal bar which is stationary with the lower-=portion of said yoke having one end attached to the spring means.

Ninth, to provide a motorcycle having adjustments whereby the brakingand driving mechanisms may be moved laterally with respect to frame orlongitudinally with respect to the takeoff gear box.

Tenth, to provide a motorcycle having a detachable fender encircling aportion of the driving wheel. A U-shapedfuel tank mounted astride thedriving wheel.

Other objects of the invention will be apparent as the description.proceeds in the accompanying specification. One form of the invention isillustrated in the accompanying drawings, in

which Fig. 1 is a vertical side view of the entire motorcycle.

Fig. 2 is a detailed viewpartly in vertical section. of the mountingmeans for the brake lever which is. operated by the foot brake.

Fig. 2A is a side elevation of the brake lever.

Fig. 3 is a plan View of the motorcycle having tank, fender, and handlebars removed;

Fig. 4 is a detailed cross View of the braking, and driving mechanismsand. the driving wheel hub;

Fig. 5 is an end view of driving wheel hub showing the manner in whichthe squared section on end of cylinder member engage'ssaicl hub;

Fig. 6 is taken from Fig. 5 showing the squared 40 Fig. 9 is an end viewof the bearing adjusting plug, showing a plurality of holes encirclingsaid plu Fig. 10 is a modified view of driving worm;

Fig. 11 is a modified view of the drive shaft housing, showing a slipjoint at one end.

Fig. 12 is a spring shackle which connects spring means to the rear ofthe horizontal bar;

Fig. 12A is the removable yoke plate mounted on spring shackle.

Fig. 13 is a side view of yoke mounted on bearing housing in the drivingmechanism, showing the horizontal bar at the bottom;

Fig. 1 1 is a side view of the yoke which is mounted on the bearinghousing in the brake mechanism; showing the clamping bolt extendingthrough the top portion of yoke;

Fig. 15 is a view of the threaded sleeve threaded on the bearing housingin the driving mechanism, a

showing the stationary flange encircling said sleeve;

Fig. 16 is a cross section view of yoke which is mounted on the sleeveshown in Fig. 15, showing the grooved means at the center;

Fig. 17 is a modified view showing a yoke threaded on the bearinghousing replacing the said threaded sleeve;

Fig. 18 is taken from Fig. 11 showing the manner in which the forward.end of housing is attached to the takeoff gear box which allows pivotalmotion for said housing;

- Fig. 19 is a sectional view of the vehicle, showing fuel tank which isU-shaped mounted astride the driving wheel;

Fig. 20 is a side view of the gear housing;

Fig. 21 is an end view of a portion of the gear housing showing theoblong opening. An opening of the same type is at the front and the rearof said gear housing through which the bearing containers extend;

Fig. 22 is a modified view of cylinder member, the rounded portionhaving an even surface throughout its length. A spacing means is mountedon the cylinder member resting against the flange.

Fig. 23 is an enlarged view of bearing housing, horizontal bar, frameand spring means.

Fig. 24 is an enlarged view of the opposite bearing housing showingbrake means, bearing housing, horizontal bar, frame and spring means.

Fig. 25 is an end view showing horizontal bar shackled to the springmeans.

Referring to the drawings: The frame of my improved motorcycle as shownin Figs. 1 and 3 comprises two horizontal frame members I, 2 spaced aneven width apart, having at the front an upward vertical bend 3 whichparallels the radiator 6 which is mounted between the frame members I, 2forming an arch over top of radiator 4, converging to the steering head5, and substantially secured thereto. The frame members I, 2 extendhorizontally rearward spaced an even distance apart from the verticalbend 3 having a rise at 5 and extending rearward embracing fully threequarters of the driving wheel I.

The frame bracing bars 8, 5 form the upper part of the frame, having theforward ends substantially secured to the uppersteering head bar, andextending rearward to bracing posts I0 and II paralleling the said framemembers I, 2, and from said posts IE1, II the said bracing bars 8, 9extend rearward and downward to a point forward of the braking anddriving mechanisms, and securely attached to the frame members I, 2. Thebracing bars 8, 9 substantially support the vertical bend shown at 3 inframe members I, 2, also bracing the central and rearward portions ofthe frame members I, 2 very rigidly. The operators seat I2 is supportedbetween the bracing posts I9, ii. The radio I3 is attached to theforward end of the bracing bars 8, 9, also to frame members i, 2. Theradio may be operated from the drivers seat when the vehicle is inmotion or when standing still.

The frame members i, 2 may be swung lower to the ground if a lowercenter of gravity is needed for motor I l. Said motor is water cooled byradiator 4 which is secured between the frame members I, 2 in thevertical bend 3. The water is circulated through the motor I4 by fanbelt I5 which drives the water pump it, and the fan I'l, this forming apart of the cooling system. The clutch housing I8 is attached to therear of the motor I4 as shown in Figs. 1 and 3. The transmission box isshown at I9, the takeoff gear box at 29, the gear shifting lever at 2%,the clutch pedal at 22, the brake pedal 23. The takeoff gear box 20 isconstructed stationary to the rear of the transmission box IS.

The supporting side arms 24, 25 are provided for supporting the vehiclein a vertical position when standing, and are non-turnably mounted oneach outward end of the transverse shaft 2%, which is journaled to theunder portion of the frame members I, 2. The side arms 24, 25 are pusheddown in contact with the ground by the operator's foot, and held incontact with the ground by the lateral extension 2? of the side arm 24which engages the catch 28 which is secured to the side of the framemember The catch 28 may be released by the operators foot and the sidearms 2 25 are automatically raised to their carrying position by coilspring 29, having one end hooked to the side arm 2G and the other endhooked to the bracing post iii.

In Figs. 1 and 3 the steering head 5 and the steering device used forsteering the motorcycle are practically the same as shown in Patent,1,952,091 to Nicholson, dated March 2'7, 1934. However, in this showingthe lower bearing plate 39 has been extended beyond the steering deviceposts 3I. The upper bearing plate 33 remaining the same, having thehandle bar 34 mounted thereon, the forked yoke or bracing means 33a isattached to the bracing bars 8, 9. The U- shaped spring means 35, 3B areof the laminated type and are mounted to the lower bearing plate 39 oneach outer end thereof, adjacent to each steering device post M, thesmaller spring means 36 being mounted inside of the larger U-shapedspring means 35. The spring means 35, 36 are the same on both sides ofthe vehicle and are interchangeable. The wheel fork 31 is securelymounted to the wheel fork plate at the upper end and the lower end ofthe wheel fork 31 is pivotally attached to the front wheel attachment 38near the center, the forward end being secured to the wheel hub 39, andthe rearward end of said attachment 38 is pivotally connected to thespring rods 40, 4 I and the upper ends of said spring rods 40, 4| arepivotally connected to the rearward ends of the spring means 35, 3'6.The steering wheel 42 travels in horizontal alignment with the drivingwheel I supporting the front of the frame in a resilient manner.

In Fig. 4 is shown a detailed cross view of the brake mechanism, theworm and gear driving mechanism and the driving wheel hub. The drivingwheel 'I is mounted between the two said mechanisms in horizontalalignment with the steering iil wheel 42'. The driving wheel hub. 43 hasa central opening therethrough for receiving the round axle bolt 44. Ateach end of the wheel hub 43 there is a. square recess or: squared means45 embedded in the end of the said wheel hub 43, having three sidessquared and the lower side or the lower portion 46 being removed,thereby providing an entrance to the squared means 45. See Figs. and 6.

In Figs. 4 and 5 the cylinder member 41 is provided with. a squaredsection 48 at the extreme inner end thereof, and. between the stationaryflange 49 encircling the cylinder member 41 and the squared section 48:that part of the cylinder member 41 is round. and the same applies tothe cylinder member 41 between flange 49 and the outer end. The outwardhalf of the cylinder member 41' is reduced to a smaller diameter thanthe inner half, thereby providing the shoulder 56 between the inner halfand the outer half. The extreme outward end of the cylinder member 41.is provided with a threaded means 5!.

The squared section 48 at the inner end of the cylinder member 41contains four sides, all sides being of equal length, thereby formingthe squared section 4'8 thereon. The square recess or squared means 45embedded in each end of the wheel hub 43 conforms with the squaredsection 48 at the inner end of the cylinder member 41, thereby providinga firm engagement between the squared section 48' and the squared means45. In Fig. 5 is shown the manner in which the squared means 45 embeddedin end of hub 43 engages the square section 48 at the inner end of thecylinder member 41. In Fig. 4 the squared section 46 is shown firm inengagement with the squared means 45 embedded in the end of hub 43 andsubstantially secured firm in engagement by means of axle bolt 44.

In Fig. 5 the stationary flange 49 encircling the cylinder member 41 isprovided with a plurality of bolt holes 52 whereby the worm gear 53shown in Figs. 4 and 7 may be substantially secured to said flange 49 bymeans of bolts or rivets 54 for the purpose of rotating the cylindermember 41, which in turn rotates the driving wheel 1 forward or rearwardwhichever is demanded. In Fig. 4 the outward half of the cylinder member41 which is reduced to a smaller diameter than the inner half extendscentrally through the bearing means 55, 56, the bearing means 55 beingmounted against the shoulder 56, and the adjusting nuts or looking nuts51, 56' engage the threaded means 5| on the extreme outer end of thecylinder member 41, and when adjusted to the bearing means 55, 56substantially and operatively secure the cylinder member 41 withinbearing housing 56 and within the bearing means 55, 56.

In Fig. 4 the outward end of'the cylinder member 41 shows parts brokenaway, thereby providing a. detailed view of the threaded means 66 which.is threaded on the inside of the cylinder member 41. The axle bolt 44 isprovided with a threaded means 6| on the extreme end which is the sametype of threaded means as 66, and by turning the axle bolt 44 thethreaded means 6| on the endof said axle bolt 44 engages the threadedmeans 66, which is threaded within the cylinder member 41, therebydrawing the brake mechanism, and the driving mechanism into substantial. engagement with the hub 43.

The bearing housing 56 is provided with a stationary flange 612'encircling the inside of the bearingv housing 59, forming. a divisionbetween the bearing mean-s55, 56', thereby separating the bearing means55, 56 intoseparate bearing chambers within the bearing housing; Thebearing. means 55, 56 are mounted on the outward half of the cylindermember 41 and oneach side of the flange 62, and by adjusting. andlocking the nuts 51-, 58 against the bearingv means 55, 56 the cylindermember 41 is operatively securedwithin the bearing housing 59. At theoutward. end of the bearing housing 59 is a disk grease stop 63 which isthreaded in the. outwardendof the bearing housing 59. On theextremeoutward end of the bearing housing 59 a dust cover'64' isthreaded: thereon.

The bearing housing 59* is provided with a stationary plate 65 at theinner end thereof, which conforms to the curvature and shape of the gearhousing 66, substantially supporting the gear housing 66, which isfirmly secured to the plate 65 by means of cap screws 61. The plate 65is provided with a plurality of bolt holes which conform to and are inalignment with the threaded holes 68 in the gear housing 66. See Fig.'1. On the opposite side of the gear housing 66 another plate 69 isprovided which conforms to the curvature. and shape oi the gear housing66, and is firmly secured to the gear housing 66 by means of cap screwsthereby enclosing the opposite side of the gear housing 66. Each side ofthe gear housing 66 is constructed in the same manner, and. each sidehaving the same number of holes which are in alignment with the holes onthe opposite side whereby the plate 65 may be attached to either side ofthe gear housing 66. See Fig. 20.

The bearing housing 59 is provided with a threaded means 1! which is onthe outside of the bearing housing 59, intermediate the plate 65 and theoutward end of said housing. The sleeve 12 is threaded on the insidehaving the same type of threaded means as 11 on the bearing housing 55,and the sleeve 12 is threaded on. the bearing housing 59 engaging thethreaded means lil. See Fig. 15. The sleeve 12 isprovided with astationary flange 13 which encircles the outside of the sleeve 1| nearthe center.

The yoke 14 is pivotally mounted upon the sleeve 12, having at itscenter a grooved means encircling the inside of the yoke 14 whichengages the flange 13' encircling the outside of the sleeve 12. SeeFigs. 15, 16. The yoke 14 is adjusted upon the sleeve 12 to the flange13 by means of the threaded rim 16- which is threaded inside of the yoke14 from the outward side, thereby preventing lateral movement of theyoke 14 upon the sleeve 12 when the vehicle is in motion. See groovedmeans 15 and rim 16 in Fig. 16. The sleeve 12 provides the lateraladjusting means with respect to the frame members I, 2' for the brakemechanism, the driving wheel 1, and the driving mechanism. By turningthe sleeve 12 inward or outward upon the bearing housing 59 adjusts thedriving wheel 1 in horizontal alignment with the steering wheel 42, andthe driving mechanism and the drive line are adjusted: with respect tothe takeoff gear box in the same manner.

In Figs. 13 and 23 is shown a side view of the yoke 14 and the rim 16,and at the bottom of the yoke 14 is a horizontal bar 14a which isstationary with the upper part 14 and included as a member of the yoke14. Each end of the bar 14a is provided with a round openingtherethrough 11 and 18, the said opening 16 provides means whereby theupper end of the spring shackle 19 and plate 19a may be pivotallymounted in the. opening. 18. having. the lower end of the spring shackleI9 pivotally mounted to the U-shaped spring means 80. See Fig. l. Thetype of spring shackle I0 shown in Figs. 12 and 25 may be of suflicientlength to extend from the opening I8 in the horizontal bar 14a to theU-shaped spring means 88. The forward opening 11 provides means wherebythe forward end of the horizontal bar Ma may be pivotally connected tothe horizontal bar yoke .8! by means of the bolt nut 82. In Fig. 4 thehorizontal bar yoke BI is provided With an oblong slotted means 83,which extends longitudinally with the frame member I, thereby providinga longitudinal adjusting means, whereby the driving :mechanism may beadjusted forward or rearward with respect to the takeoff gear box 20.

As shown inFigs. l, 4, and 23, the horizontal bar yoke 8| issubstantially bolted to the frame member I by bolting means 8la whenadjustments have been made between the driving mechanism and the takeoffgear box 20. It is now plain that the yoke 74 is resiliently andadjustably attached to the frame member I, and by mounting the yoke I4on sleeve 52 provides a pivotal movement between the bearing housing 59and the yoke Id when the vehicle is in action.

In Fig. 17 the yoke 8% is a modified showing of the yoke M. In thisshowing the sleeve I2 has been removed from the bearing housing 59, andthe yoke 84 is directly threaded on the bearing housing 5%. Thehorizontal bar of the yoke 84 is the same type as the horizontal bar Idaand may be interchangeably mounted to the horizontal bar yoke 3i and tothe spring means 89 in the same manner as bar Ma. The yoke 84 whenthreaded on the bearing housing 59 in this manner provides pivotal meansbetween the yoke 84 and the bearing housing 59 when the vehicle is inaction. Lateral adjustments of the driving mechanism With respect to theframe are made by disconnecting each end of the bar 84a and threadingthe yoke S in or out on the bearing housing 59.

In Fig. 7 is a detailed cross View of the driving worm mechanism showingthe drive shaft 85 extending forward from said mechanism connecting withthe universal joint 85, which is flexibly attached to the rearward endof the splined shaft 81 extending through the outer end of the takeoffgear box 20. The shaft 81 is provided with a splined means 88 and at therearward end is a shoulder 80, which the bearing means 90 is mountedagainst. The shaft 8? extends centrally through the bearing means 95,and the splined chain gear 9!, which engages the splined means 88, andextending on through the forward bearing means 92. The chain gear Mwhich engages the splined means 88 is mounted on the shaft ill in anon-turnable manner between the bearing means 30 and 92, and the shaft8'! is operatively adjusted to the bearing means 90 and 92 by means ofthe nut 93, which is threaded on the forward end of shaft 3?.

The silent chain Sl t is an endless chain and encircles the chain gearEil, which is mounted on shaft 81, and the chain gear which is mount edon the outward end of the sliding gear shaft 85, and between the bearingmeans 9'! and 98. The silent chain 94 is driven through the medium ofthe sliding gear shaft 95 when the motor power is applied. The-saidsilent chain 94 continuously functions in lubrication as does thebearing means 90, 92 and the bearing means 91, 98.

The takeoff gear box 20 is constructed stationary to the rear of thetransmission box I9, having a grease-tight covering 99 which isremovable. The bearing plate I00 is secured to the rear of the takeoffgear box 20, and when removed the bearing means 98 may be removed fromthe bearing housing 20. The bearing covering IOI is secured to the frontof the takeofi gear box 20, and when removed provides means whereby theadjusting nut 93 may be adjusted or removed from shaft 81.

The driving worm mechanism is mounted in the lower portion of the gearhousing 56, thereby providing a lower center of gravity for the driveshaft85, and for the transmission box I9, and for the motor I4. Theforward end of the drive shaft 85 is provided with a splined means I02which engages like means in the universal joint 85, and at the rearwardend of shaft 85 the driving worm I03 is constructed stationary thereon.

The extreme rearward end of'the drive shaft 85 is mounted in the bearingmeans I04, and the forward end of the drive shaft 85 is of sufiicientlength to reach from the driving worm I03 to the universal joint 86. Theforward end of the drive shaft 85 extends centrally through the bearingmeans I05, and the bearing container I fit, and the drive shaft housingI07, and the bronze bearing means I08 which is mounted in the forwardend of the drive shaft housing I01,

and the extreme forward end of said drive shaft 85 engages the splinedmeans in the universal joint 86.

The forward bearing container is provided with a plate I06 having around central opening therethrough, which is grooved for mounting feltpacking therein, thereby providing a grease stop. The plate I05 has alateral extension I09 wherein the bearing means I05 is mounted. Theplate 50-5 is provided with an oblong opening at each corner, wherebylongitudinal adjustments may be made of the bearing container Hi6 withrespect to properly meshing the driving worm I03 with the worm gear-53.In Fig. 8 the oblong opening H0 is shown at each corner and the oblongopenings in the plate I05 are the same type.

The rearward end of the drive shaft housing I01 is provided with a plateI II conforming in size to plate I05, and having the same type of anoblong opening II 0 at each corner as does plate I06, and restingagainst the plate I06, whereby each said plate I06 and III aresubstantially secured to the gear housing 65 by means of cap screws II2which extend through the oblong openings IIO and threading into the gearhousing 56.

The drive shaft housing I0! is constructed in one continuous piece,having no slip joint, and at the forward end of the drive shaft housingIil'l there is provided a bronze bearing means I08 which is mountedtherein for the purpose of steadying or supporting the forward end ofthe drive shaft 85. The drive shaft housing it? at the forward end isbell shaped, thereby forming a housing over the universal joint 05. Theextreme forward end of the housing I0! is 'secured to the rubberizedfabric plate H3, which provides flexibility between the drive shafthousing I01 and the takeoff gear box 20. The plate II3 which isrubberized fabric is the same material as rubberized belting or thelike, and is riveted at IM to the forward end of housing I04, therebyforming the back of the bearing plate H5, and is secured to the takeoffgear box 20 by means of cap screws '6. The grease stop plate II5 may bedished out forward of the riveted means H4, which allows a little moreroom for the flexibility of housing I01.

The rearward bearing container is constructed in a little differentmanner from the forward bearing container I06. The rearward bearingcontainer is provided with a plate II1, having a lateral extension I50,wherein the bearing means I04 is mounted. The plate I I1 is providedwith a central opening therethrough which is the same in diameter as thebearing means'l04. The said central opening through plate 1 is providedwith a threaded means H which engages the same type of threaded means asprovided on the outside of the adjusting plug I20. The saidadjustingplug I20 is threaded into plate I I1, butting against the rearof the bearing means I 04, thereby forming the back of the bearingseating means, and by turning the adjusting plug I20 in or out of thethreaded central opening adjusts the bearing means I04, I05 to thedriving worm I03 and the driving shaft 85, thereby taking -up any endplay. In Fig. 8 an end View is shown of plate II1 showing the centralopening and the threaded means I I9 therein. In Fig. 9 an end view isshown of the adjusting plug I20.

For the prevention of any endwise movement of the driving worm I03 orthe drive shaft 85, the adjusting plug I20 is provided for the purposeof adjusting the bearing means I04, I05

properly and operatively upon the drive shaft 85, and against thedriving worm I03. The adjusting plug I20 threads in or out of saidcentral opening in plate II1 as mentioned, and when turned inwardagainst the bearing means I04, prevents end play or endwise movement andoperatively adjusts the bearing means I04, I05 against the driving WormI03, upon the drive shaft 85. When the proper adjustments of the bearingmeans I04, I05 have been maintained against the driving worm I03, theadjusting plug I20 is substantially secured in the proper adjustedposition by means of a locking plate I2 I.

When the bearing means I04, I05 have been properly adjusted upon thedrive shaft 05 to the driving worm I03, the adjusting plug I20 issubstantially secured and held in the adjusted position by means of thelocking plate I 2! having two laterally extending prongs I22 at thecenter of the plate I2I which are in horizontal alignment with holes I23in the rear of the adjusting plug I20, and said prongs I22 engage saidholes I23 in the rear of the plug I20. The adjusting plug I20 isprovided with a plurality of holes as shown in Fig. 9 at I23, whichencircle the rear of the adjusting plug I20 at intervals, and inhorizontal alignment with prongs I22. The plate I2I rests against therear of the bearing container or plate II1, conforming in size to plateII1, having an oblong opening I I0 at each corner thereof, and eachplate H1 and HI is securely held in place by means of cap screws I24which extend through the upper'and lower oblong openings H0, andthreading into the gear housing 66, thereby substantially securing theplate I2I and the bearing container I I 1 to the gear housing 66.

The plate 'I2I and the bearing container or plate III is provided withoblong openings H0 at each corner through which the cap screws I24extend, whereby longitudinal adjustments of plate I2I and the bearingcontainer I I1 may be made in the same manner as the front bearingcontainer I06 with respect toproperly meshing the driving worm I03 withthe worm gear 53. It should be understood that the gear housing 66isprovided with an opening for receiving the lateral extensions I09 andH8. These openings are slightly oblong thereby providing space forlongitudinal adjustments of the bearing containers I06 and H1. Means areprovided whereby an accurate adjustment may be obtained between thedriving worm I03 and the worm gear 53 through the medium of the setscrews I25, I23, which are threaded through the bottom portion of thegear housing 66 and extending upward to the inner end of the lateralextension I09 of the'bearing container I06 and the lateral extension II8 of the bearing container H1. The set screws I25, I26 are arranged toturn upward or downward in the gear housing 66, thereby raising orlowering the driving worm mechanism within the gear housing 66, wherebya proper meshing of the driving worm I03 may be obtained with the wormgear 53. See Fig. 21 oblong opening in housing 66.

It is plain that the driving worm mechanism is operatively andadjustably mounted in the lower portion of the gear housing 36, and thesaid driving worm mechanism is not disturbed or moved out of adjustmentin any manner when the gear housing 66 is detached and removed fromtheplate 65, and the forward end of the drive "shaft housing I01 hasbeen detached from the takeoff gear box 20. Each side of the gearhousing 66 is designed and constructed in the same manner, and ifnecessary the plate 69 may be mounted on either side of said gearhousing 66.

In Fig. is shown a modified form of driving worm I21 which isconstructed stationary on shaft I 28in the same manner as the drivingworm I03 is constructed on shaft 85, but the length of the shaft I28 hasbeen reduced and is much shorter in length than shaft 85. i The removingof the drive shaft housing I01 from the driving worm mechanism affordsfacility whereby the driving worm I21 may be interchanged with thedriving worm I 03, thereby providing a worm and gear driving mechanismwhich will operate on other inventions on two-wheeled vehicles which theinventor has protected.

In Fig. 11 is shown a modified drive shaft housing I29 having theforward end I30 telescoping one end of housing I20 thereby providing aslipjoint between the two said housings. The forward end of housing I30is flexibly connected to gear box 20 by means of two plates 3| and I32,which conform to the curvature of the housing I30 and are secured to thetakeoff gear box 20. See Fig. 18. The housings I29 and I30 areinterchangeable with the housing I01.

In Fig. 4 is shown a detailed cross view of the braking mechanism, whichis provided with a cylinder member I33, having a squared section I34 atthe inner end thereof, which engages the squared means 45 embedded inthe. end of the driving wheel hub 43. The outward half of the cylindermember I33 is reduced to a smaller diameter than the inner half, therebyproviding the shoulder I35 between the outward half and the inner half.The bearing means I36, I31 are mounted in the bearing housing I38 oneach side of the stationary flange I39 encircling the inside of thebearing housing I38, and the reduced end or the outward end of thecylinder member I33 extends centrally through the bearing means I36,I31, and operatively adjusted to said bearing means I36, I31 by theadjusting nuts or locking nuts I40, I4I which are threaded on theextreme outward end of the cylinder member I33, thereby substantiallysecuring the cylinder member I33 in the bearing means I36, I31, and atthe same time substantially and operatively securing the The stationaryflange I42 encircling the cylinder member I33 is provided with aplurality of holes whereby the brake drum I43 may be substantiallysecured to the flange I42 by means of rivets I44, thereby continuouslyrotating forward or rearward with the cylinder member I33, and checkingthe speed of the vehicle when the brake band I45 is applied by the footbrake 23. In Fig. 2A is shown the type of brake lever which may be usedto manipulate the brake band I45 when the foot brake 23 is applied. Thebrake lever I46 is pivotally attached to one end of rod I41, having theother end pivotally attached to foot brake 23, while the opposite end ofthe brake lever I46 is pivotally secured to the brake support I46 bymeans of bolt I49, and at the center is a stationary laterally extendingarm I56 which is pivotally connected with each end of the brake bandI45.

The bearing housing I38 is provided with a grease stop I5I at the innerend and another grease stop I52 at the outer end which are threadedinside of the housing I38. At the rearward end of bearing housing I38 isa stationary :flange I53 encircling the outside of said bearing housingI38, having a plurality of holes to which the brake support I48 issubstantially secured in a non-turnable manner, and at the outer end ofthe housing I38 the dust cover I54 is threaded thereon.

The yoke I55 is shown mounted in place upon the bearing housing I38,having a horizontal bar I55a which is stationary to the lower portion ofyoke I55. See Figs. 14 and 24. The yoke I55 is mounted on the bearinghousing I38 in a non-turnable manner, substantially securing andpreventing any pivotal movement of the brake housing I38. The upperportion of the yoke I55 conforms tothe curvature of the bearing housingI38, and the yoke I55 at top center is cut in two, thereby providing aclamping means when the adjusting bolt I56 which extends through the topportion of the yoke I55 has been tightened, thereby substantiallysecuring the bearing housing I38 in a non-turnable manner. The bottomportion of the yoke I55 conforms to the squared part of the bearinghousing I38, and when bolt I56 has been tightened prevents any possiblemeans of the bearing housing I38 from turning within the yoke I55, andby loosening the bolt I66 provides means for lateral adjustment of thebraking mechanism with respect to frame, The bearing housing I38 may heslipped inward or outward through yoke I55 when bolt I56 has beenloosened.

The forward end of the horizontal bar I55a is pivotally attached to thehorizontal bar yoke I51 by the bolt I56, and adjustably secured to framemember 2 by the bolting means I51a, the rearward end of the horizontalbar I55a is pivotally yoked to the U-shaped spring means in the samemanner as shown at the opposite side or as shown in Fig. 24. Thehorizontal bar yoke I51 is provided with slotted means I59 which extendslongitudinally with the frame member 2, thereby providing a longitudinaladjustment means, whereby the braking mechanism may be adjusted forwardor rearward with respect to the takeoff gear box 26. The horizontal baryoke I51 is substantially bolted to the frame member 2 when adjustmentshave been made between the braking mechanism and the takeoff gear box20.

bearing means I36, I31 within the bearing housing The cylinder member I33 is provided with a central opening therethrough for receiving theaxle bolt 44, which extends centrally through the cylinder member I33,the wheel hub 43, and turning into engagement with the threaded means 68which are on the inside of the cylinder member 41. By tightening theaxle bolt 44 against the end of cylinder member I33, presses or drawsthe cylinder members I33, I41 firm against each end of hub 43 in thesquared means 45, substantially securing and interlocking said cylindermembers I33, I41 firm in place, and supporting the cylinder members I33,I41 in horizontal alignment.

When the vehicle is in action cylinder member I63, the wheel hub 43, thecylinder member 41, and the axle bolt 44 function simultaneouslytogether, the axle bolt 44 revolving with said members. The axle bolt 44may be turned out of engagement with the cylinder member 41, and removedendwise from hub 43 and cylinder member I33, thereby freeing the hub 43from said cylinder members, allowing the driving wheel I to be removedperpendicularly from the vehicle. I

In Fig. 1 the fender I66 encircling a portion of the driving wheel 1 isa detachable fender, and may be very. quickly removed by loosening thecatches I6I on each side of said fender. The fender may be lifted fromthe vehicle permitting the driving wheel I to be removed or replaced ina perpendicular manner, and by releasing and pressing the stand rack I62into service the vehicle is supported in a vertical position. In thedotted-line drawing is shown the fender I68 removed. In Figs. 1 and 19are shown different views of the U-shaped fuel tank I63, which ismounted astride the driving wheel I, having the extreme rearward portionsecured to the frame members I and 2, and the forward portions rest uponand are secured to the bracing bars 8 and 9. At the extreme top of tankI63 is a removable cap I64, and by removing said cap I64 the tank I63may be filled with motor fuel. At the bottom portion of tank I63 is anoutlet pipe I65 which leads to the power plant I4. There is an outlet ofthe same type as I65 on the opposite side of the vehicle, and in thesame position on the tank I63 which joins the outlet pipe I65 on thisside of the vehicle, thereby keeping the fuel level in the tank I63 thesame on each side.

In Fig. 20 is shown a side view of the gear housing 66 and the positionof the holes 68 at the top and bottom. In Fig. 21 is an end view of thegear housing 66, plainly showing the oblong opening I66, which isprovided at the front and rear of the gear housing 66, whereby thebearing containers I06 and H1 may be adjusted longitudinally.

In Fig. 22 is shown a. modified view of cylinder member I61, having atubular spacing means I68, which slips over the outside of cylindermember I61, resting or butting against the stationary flange I69 whichencircles the said cylinder member I61. The opposite end of the spacingmeans I68 butts against the bearing means which may be mounted on theoutward end of the cylinder member I 61 in the same manner as shown inFig. 4. The cylinder member I61 is smooth and round between the flangeI69 and the outward end thereof, the diameter of the rounded portionbeing of an equal width throughout its length, the inner end of thecylinder member I61 is provided with a squared section I10, which is '75the same type of squared section as shown at 48 on the inner end of thecylinder member 47. The extreme outward end of the cylinder member I6!is provided with a threaded means Hi. It is plain that the roundedportion of the cylinder member I 61 is provided with an even surface anddiffers in that respect from the cylinder member 41. The cylinder memberI6! is mounted in the bearing housing 59 in the same manner as thecylinder member 41. The spacing means I68 replaces the shoulder 50 whichis shown at the center of the cylinder member 47. The spacing means I68may of sufiicient width or length to supply the needed demand whenmounting the cylinder member I61 in the said bearing housing 59.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. A motorcycle including a frame; a steering and a driving wheeladapted to support the front and rear ends of said frame respectively; abrake drum and a driving gear arranged on opposite sides of said drivewheel and rotatable there with; braking means in operative relation tosaid drum; a gear housing enclosing said driving gear and mounted onsaid frame; a takeoff gear box on said frame having a power shaft inlongitudinal alignment with said gear housing; a drive shaft extendingfrom said gear housing toward said takeoff gear box; a flexible jointfixed on said takeoff power shaft and having spline means engaging saiddrive shaft; a worm fixed on said drive shaft adapted to mesh with saidgear; a drive shaft housing fixed on said gear housing extending towardsaid takeoff gear box; and a flexible fabric plate leaving a centralopening therethrough and riveted to the end of said drive shaft housingadjacent said opening and having its margins bolted to said takeoff gearbox.

2. A motorcycle including a frame; a steering and a driving wheeladapted to support the front and rear ends of said frame respectively; abrake drum and a driving gear arranged on opposite sides of said drivingWheel and rotatable therewith; braking means in operative relation tosaid drum; a gear housing enclosing said driv ing gear and mounted onsaid frame; a takeoff gear box on said frame having a power shaft inlongitudinal alignment with said gear housing; a drive shaft extendingfrom said gear housing toward said takeoff gear box; a flexible jointfixed on said takeoff power shaft and having spline means engaging saiddrive shaft; a worm fixed on said drive shaft adapted to mesh with saidgear; a drive shaft housing consisting of a tubular portion fixed tosaid gear housing and extending toward said takeoff gear box; anintermediate section enclosing said flexible joint and telescoping oversaid tubular portion and a spheroidal portion fixed to said takeoff gearbox and en gaging a similar surface on said intermediate section.

3. A motorcycle including a frame including a pair of interspacedmembers at the rear thereof; a steering wheel and a driving wheelsupporting the front and rear ends of said frame respectively; means formounting the driving wheel including a pair of bearing housings mountedon said interspaced members; a pair of cylinder members extending intosaid bearing housings and having opposed squared ends; bearingsinterposed between said cylinder members and said housings; a gear onone of said cylinder members; a housing enclosing said gear and fixed onone of said bearing housings; driving means engaging said gear; a brakedrum fixed on the other cylinder member; braking means in operativerelation to said drum; a hub on said driving wheel interposed betweensaid cylinder members and having squared recesses open at one sideadapted to receive the squared ends of said cylinder members; and a boltsecuring said cylinder members to said hub.

4. A motorcycle including a frame including a pair of interspacedmembers at the rear thereof, a steering wheel adapted to support thefront end of said frame, a pair of horizontal bars having one endpivoted on said interspaced frame members and movable with respectthereto, U-shaped spring means interposed between the free ends of saidbars and said frame and adapted to control the movements of saidhorizontal bars, housings mounted on said horizontal bars, bearings insaid housings, a driving wheel mounted in said bearings, and powertransmission and braking means associated with said driving wheel.

5. A motorcycle including a pair of interspaced members at the rearthereof, a steering Wheel supporting the front end of said frame, a pairof horizontal bars having one end pivoted on said interspaced framemembers and movable with respect thereto, spring means interposedbetween the free ends of said bars and said frame and adapted to controlthe movement of said bars, a yoke mounted on one of said horizontalbars, a sleeve having an annular flange enclosed in said yoke, a rimthreaded in said yoke and abutting said flange, a bearing housingthreaded in said sleeve, a split yoke fixed on the opposite horizontalbar, a bearing housing in said yoke, a bolt traversing the split portionof said yoke and arranged to clamp said bearing housing in said yoke,bearings in said bearing housings, a driving wheel mounted in saidbearings, and power transmission and braking means associated with saiddriving wheel.

6. A motorcycle including a frame including a pair of interspacedmembers at the rear thereof,

' a steering wheel supporting the front end of said frame, a pair ofhorizontal bars having one end pivoted on said interspaced frame membersand movable with respect thereto, spring means interposed between thefree ends of said bars and said frame and adapted to control themovements of said bars, a yoke mounted on one of said horizontal bars, abearing housing threaded in said yoke, a split yoke fixed on theopposite horizontal bar, a bearing housing having a nonoircular positionin said yoke, a bolt traversing the split portion of said yoke andarranged to clamp said bearing housing in said yoke, bearings in saidbearing housings, a driving wheel mounted in said bearings, and powertransmission and braking means associated with said driving wheel.

LESLIE G. NICHOLSON.

